28 March 2024

Message from the Principal

It is hard to believe that Term 1 ended so quickly. Even though it was a shorter Term, Ashdale Secondary College (ASC) is, as usual, busier than ever.

At the start of the 2024 school year, we welcomed over 300 new Year 7 students, bringing our total to almost 1,900. In addition, we have over 220 teaching and non-teaching staff on site every day. As you can imagine, maintaining order, harmony, belonging, and connectedness is a major priority at the College, and we work hard to support every member of our community in thriving.

Last year’s graduating Year 12 students made us very proud of their achievements. Our WACE achievement rate was an impressive 97% of the cohort, and the median ATAR score of 84.00 was the highest in College history. We wish our graduating class the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.

Over the summer holidays, the College completed an upgrade program to improve and maintain buildings and infrastructure. This has included the implementation of a large shade structure to the Year 7 outdoor area for both recreational and teaching and learning purposes, the installation of House colours and vinyls in the gym and the conversion of the raised grass area to a stage for live music and events.

Our first major event of the year was our Welcome BBQ, and what a success it was! Every staff member and Learning Area member was out in force to show off their expertise and offerings, meet mentors, and enjoy a delicious sausage in a bun. We were thrilled to welcome so many new members to the ASC community and catch up with old friends. We look forward to your continued involvement with the College as we partner to support our community's young people.

Students' activities included over 100 excursions and incursions and several House competitions, camps, and lunch clubs where they could engage with like-minded peers. A particular highlight is that for the first time ever, the Ashdale Robotics Team travelled to the FIRST Robotics Southern Cross Regional finals in Sydney. This prestigious event included 32 Australian teams and teams from China, Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines. 

Another highlight for our Year 7 and Year 9 students in Term 1 is the undertaking of NAPLAN testing. This testing is the only national assessment that all Australian children undertake, and it provides comparable data about student performance in literacy and numeracy nationally. It ensures there are consistent and well-understood measures of student achievement around the country, and we look forward to receiving the data to better serve our students.

Harmony Day was celebrated on Thursday, 23 March, with many lunchtime activities. In the last week, we held Parent-Teacher interviews on Wednesday, 27 March. Please remember that if you would like to chat with a teacher or contact the College for any reason, please feel free to pick up the phone, and we can help direct your enquiry.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all at ASC, to wish you a happy and safe Easter Holiday break. We look forward to seeing all our students upon returning on Monday, 15 April.

Jacquie Bogunovich
Principal

Message from Jonelle Carstens, 2024 P&C President

If you want to be informed about what is happening at the College in terms of teachers and students, achievements, upcoming events, and future developments, I, on behalf of the P&C, would like to invite you to attend our next meeting on 29 April 2024 at 5 p.m. in the College boardroom.

On Monday, 12 February, the P&C hosted the annual Community BBQ to thank our College community for their continued support through their voluntary contributions and new uniform purchases. The BBQ had an amazing energy with Learning Areas showcasing their achievements and inviting open Q&A aimed at prospective community members. It is also an opportunity for the P&C to display where fundraised funds were applied.

In 2023, close to $70k in funds were made available to the Mamma Mia Production staging, instruments for the Music Academy, equipment for STEM & Robotics, education equipment, Competitions, Awards, Scholarships, and the Breakfast Club to name a few.

The P&C received nine (9) requests for funding from areas within the College for the first meeting. Members voted to apply funds to:

• Breakfast Club;
• student participation in the WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition; and
• for 330 students to attend a confronting real-life emergency to learn about the risk and how to act in emergencies.

Funding for the P&C Scholarship, STEM and Music equipment, tour support for the art students and a much-needed coffee machine were deferred to the next meeting pending the availability of funds.

The P&C not only distributes funds according to priority and need but also hears about what is happening at the College. A Principal’s report is prepared for each meeting, briefing the members with student numbers, staff changes, statistics about academic results, upcoming events, and strategic plans in progress. As a parent, I found this an amazing resource for discussions with my child, and this alone would motivate me to be part of the P&C.

To conclude my message, I want to thank everyone who attended the AGM - we cannot do this without you. I would also like to announce the Executive Team for 2024 who were elected to serve:

• Jonelle Carstens (President)
• Athena Quirke (Vice President)
• Chantelle Laurie (Treasurer)
• Paul Fettis (Secretary); and
• Jacquie Bogunovich (ex Officio).

I also would like to give a special thank you to Rajiv Kothari, who decided to step back into a general member role in 2024 after serving as P&C Secretary and Vice President for many years. Rajiv contributed his time to the P&C and our College board, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.

Visit the Community section on the College website to learn more about the P&C and the P&C Scholarship Program.

Jonelle Carstens
2024 P&C President

Message from College Board Chair

Welcome to another year of education at Ashdale. The College Board has come together to meet in Term 1 and has welcomed new faces in Board members and College leaders for the new year ahead. Our focus for 2024 will be on visibility and familiarity for the community of the Board and their operations in the College, so expect to see more of that as well of those individuals who represent you on the College Board during the year. We are keen to ensure the College Community is aware of the Board's function, its members, and its overall intent, and we welcome all enquiries about its effect.

On behalf of the Board, I wish you a fulfilling year of education as a student and, more broadly, as a member of our successful and thriving College Community.

Positive Futures Initiative

Education is necessary today, and every child deserves access to it. Unfortunately, not all children have the same privileges, and some may struggle with the financial burden of school fees. Ashdale Secondary College is in a privileged position of having an anonymous benefactor help Year 10 students pay their Year 11 and Year 12 school fees.

The ASC Positive Futures Initiative fund will provide financial assistance to students with exceptional academic performance, good behaviour, and a willingness to achieve a positive future. The fund aims to help outstanding students reach their full potential and succeed in their senior schooling. We look forward to sharing detailed information on how to apply at the start of Term 2.

For more information, please visit the link below.

Joshua Popp
Deputy Principal

Community BBQ

On Monday, 12 February, the Student Leaders assisted with Ashdale's annual Community BBQ, where parents and students met with teachers and other staff members in a relaxed environment. The Student Leaders' roles for the night were to assist in serving and preparing the sausage sizzle, accompany Deputies on College tours, and answer any questions from parents from a student perspective. Overall, the night was a success, and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

Isabelle and Gabriel
Year 11 Student Leaders

Community BBQ Feb24

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Student Leadership

Students undergo a rigorous selection process before being appointed Student Leaders at Ashdale Secondary College. As the Student Leadership Coordinators, we have the honour of participating in the selection process for these prestigious representatives of the College and with the calibre of applicants so high this year, it was undoubtedly a challenge to appoint the limited positions. It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2024 Student Leaders of Ashdale Secondary College:

Student Leaders are our ambassadors. As the face of the College, these students have spent many hours attending meetings and developing their leadership skills by participating in the Youth Leadership Academy Australia’s Secondary Youth Leadership Conference and David Castelanelli’s Levitate Learning workshops this term. Leaders also continue representing the student body by attending and presenting at the College Board meetings.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration as a team throughout the year and being a part of their leadership journey in 2024.

Chantelle Laurie & Amy Rowland
Student Leadership Coordinators

Outdoor Education

Year 10

The Year 10 students have settled nicely into Ashdale’s new outdoor recreation program. During the first few weeks of Term 1, the students spent their outdoor recreation lessons learning fundamental body boarding skills. They learned to paddle and manoeuvre through the waves, duck dive, and board and wave etiquette. The students quickly mastered these fundamental skills at Hillary’s Boat Harbour and were eager to test their bodyboarding abilities at Trigg with assistance from Surfing WA. The Year 10s thoroughly enjoy their time body boarding and are keen to challenge themselves in the powerful waves at Trigg. They have shown great progression throughout the Term.

Year 11

As for our Year 11s, they have spent the start of Term 1 exploring and forming a deeper connection to nature through numerous snorkelling expeditions. The students have been snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Mettams Pool, a popular snorkelling destination along the stunning coastline. Equipped with snorkels, goggles, and flippers, the Year 11 students eagerly embrace the opportunity to discover the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the surface. Many risks and challenges can occur when snorkelling. Still, the students overcame any problems, preparing them for their camp at Rottnest Island at the end of the Term.

Year 12

Our Year 12s have attended multiple surfing lessons to start the Term. Under the professional guidance of the experienced surfing instructors at Surfing WA, the students have loved conquering the intense waves at Trigg. Whether the students successfully ride a wave or do the opposite and fall off their surfboard, they are discovering the importance of perseverance and resilience. These expeditions allow Year 12 students to challenge themselves to master surfing while creating lasting memories with their classmates. Each week, the students are showing tremendous improvement in their surfing abilities, which will prepare them for their camp in Yallingup.

Sally Bennie
AFL Sports Ready Trainee

Year 7 Netball Girls head to the beach!

After a quiet bus trip to the beach, we were split into teams and got to name ourselves. The teams were made of:

• The Flying Fish
• Hot Sassy Shrek
• Hot Sassy Shrek's Wife
• The Ummms, and
• The Rotten Bananas

At first, many students thought the same thing - how do I work with these kids I barely know?

We had really fun activities, including tennis ball catches, swimming, sand castle competitions, races, and so much more!

Then, for an hour or so, we split off into our buddies and had fun at Hillary's Boat Harbour. The return trip was full of music, loud laughs and friendship.

Year 7 Netball fun at the beach!

Prizes and Honourable Mentions:

There were really fun prizes like lollies and chocolates.

Congratulations to Hot Sassy Shrek for winning!

Feedback from some of the students:

"I really enjoyed everything we did, especially the swims on the beach." - Michaela

"I loved every bit of it, but my favourite was going to Hillary's Boat Harbour." - Hunter

"I was so excited from the moment we first received the slips to the excursion!" – Yasmin

Michaela A
Student – Year 7

What does the College Board do?

Ashdale Secondary College Board's fundamental purpose is to enable parents and community members to engage in activities that are in the best interests of students and to enhance the education provided by the College. The Board's functions are covered by legislation, and the elected members include parents, staff, and students. Community members are invited to join to add depth of knowledge to the Board.

The functions of Boards are prescribed by the School Education Act 1999 and the School Education Regulations 2000 as follows:

Take part in:

• Establishing and reviewing the College’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions.
• Planning financial arrangements necessary to fund those objectives, priorities and directions.
• Evaluating the College’s performance in achieving those objectives, priorities and directions.
• Formulating Codes of Conduct for students at the College.
• The selection of, but not the appointment of, the College Principal or any other teaching staff member if the Regional Executive Director gives prior approval.

Approve of:

• A charge or contribution determined by the Principal for the provision of materials, services and facilities.
• The costs determined by the Principal are to be paid for participation in an extra cost optional component of the College’s educational program.
• The items selected by the Principal are to be supplied by a student for the student’s personal use in the College’s educational program.

Northern Netball Schools Cup

On Thursday, 7 March, the Year 9 and 10 Netball Academy ‘A’ teams attended the Northern Netball School Cup at Butler College. We faced a range of schools, including Belridge Secondary College, Butler College, Alkimos College, and Hampton Senior High. The day was challenging in 38-degree heat. However, we pushed through it, played really strong against the skilled competition, and put some things we have been learning into practice. 

The Year 9 team finished in 2nd place, and the Year 10 team finished in 3rd place. Both teams lost to Belridge Secondary College, but we enjoyed the challenge of versing a netball specialist school as it made us work harder. It was an excellent chance to bring the girls closer.

We look forward to competing in the Northern Netball School Cup next year.

Chloe A. and Erin V
Students – Year 10

Eye of the Tiger!

Our Year 10 Netball Academy girls embarked on a unique journey beyond the courts and stepped into the dynamic world of boxing.

They participated in a 4-week fitness program hosted by Competitive Boxing Gym in Malaga. The program challenges our athletes to embrace high-intensity sessions, push their limits, and expand their athletic skills. It is designed to offer more than just a rigorous workout routine; it introduces our girls to the foundations of boxing.

Despite the demanding nature of these sessions, the spirit amongst the class is high, and they are working very hard and staying positive. Their determination and zest for embracing new challenges head-on are inspiring.

Year 10 Netball Academy

Keep up the great work, Year 10 Netball.

Jaime Dastlik
Netball Academy Coordinator

Y12 Outdoor Education Yallingup Camp

During Week 7 of Term 1, the Year 12 Outdoor Education students embarked on an unforgettable adventure at the stunning shores of Yallingup. Set against the backdrop of Western Australia's mesmerising coastline, this three-day surfing camp proved to be more than just a getaway. It was an opportunity for these students to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the thrill of mastering the waves.

With surfboards in hand and determination in their hearts, they embraced the challenge of conquering the ocean's rhythm under the guidance of experienced instructors. Each day brought new waves to ride, new techniques to learn, and friendships to cherish. But beyond the thrill of surfing, this camp provided invaluable lessons that extended far beyond the waves. It taught resilience as students faced challenges through wipeouts and rough waters. It fostered teamwork and camaraderie as they cheered each other on and celebrated every accomplishment, big or small. Most importantly, it created a deep appreciation for the natural world, as they witnessed firsthand the power and beauty of the ocean.

The students played beach games between surf sessions such as volleyball and spike ball. When the days came to an end, the students reflected on the challenges they faced and the appreciation they felt throughout the day.

Surf’s Up!

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As their time at Yallingup came to a close, they returned to school with sun-kissed skin, salt-streaked hair, and hearts full of memories that would last a lifetime. In the end, the Yallingup surfing camp was more than just a school camp; it was a journey of self-discovery, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder of the endless wonders that Western Australia has to offer.

Sally Bennie
AFL Sports Ready Trainee

House Captains

We're setting up this year's 2024 House Captain's program with many exciting activities planned. Congratulations to the following students for being selected to represent their house in 2024:

2024 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regionals

Well, what an adventure. From 15-17 March, the Ashdale Robotics Team competed at the FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regionals in Sydney for the first time. Having worked on the design and development of the robot, Lil’ Timmy, since the January school holidays, the Team showed the STEM community of Australia why Ashdale is a leader in the realm of robotics and STEM education. Competing against 47 teams from around Australia and the world, Lil’ Timmy’s Big Team smashed all expectations and came home in 16th place, ranking as the 2nd rookie team and far outscoring far more established and bigger teams. With funding being a big part of successful FIRST Robotics teams and our Team running a tiny budget, the fact that the students came 16th in the event shows what a fantastic job they did.

Ashdale Robotics Team

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To round out the whirlwind trip to NSW, students enjoyed a day touring the highlights of the Harbour City, including a ferry ride across the harbour and a walking tour of the Opera House and Botanic Gardens. Congratulations to Alia and Kynan Kirk-Burnnand, Dean Smith, Zak David-Moss, Christian Nikolovski, Riley Lacklison, Drew Clayton, Daniel Jacobsen and Jacob Dash for your excellent performance over the competition and for doing Ashdale proud. A special mention must be made to Peter David-Moss and Shawn Gaspar, who helped with the preparation of the robot for the event, and a massive thank you to Cameron Ellis and Theo Stevenson (Class of 2023) for returning to the College to help mentor the Team: we couldn’t have done it without you!

Steve Warwick
STEM Coordinator - Secondary

Mock Law Trials Round 1

On Tuesday, 19 March, our Mock Law teams went to the Supreme Court of WA for Round 1 of the WACE-endorsed WA Law Society Mock Trials Competition. One team was the Prosecution (Ashdale 1) in an alleged assault case against Mr. Pierce Hawthorne, and the other was the Defence (Ashdale 2) representing Mr. Jeff Winger (if you recognise those names—yes, all the characters were from Community).

Our teams squared off against experienced top private school Scotch College to argue their cases before a Judge and spectators.

Ashdale 1 lost their case but won the overall round for their teamwork and performance on the night. A fantastic result that Barristers Michael Rapley and Caleb Williams led.

Ashdale 2 managed to get their client acquitted and win the case but lost the round by 1 point (out of 160!!)! Y10 Addison Shaw, Barrister 2 on the Defence Team, got a special mention from the Judge (a real-life criminal prosecutor) for her debut performance, receiving a rare perfect score for the quality of her closing address. Considering Ashdale 2 had never competed before and was against Scotch's experienced Senior School team, we are incredibly proud to have given them such a run for their money. 🙂

It is a significant number of hours to prepare for these trials, not to mention extremely high pressure for the students, so please congratulate your child/ren if they participated. Their resilience and sportsmanship were a testament to the values of Ashdale.

A big thank you to Ian Whitelaw, who again served as our expert legal coach and, in addition to his regular duties, put significant effort and time into preparing students after school. Also, thank you to Lachlan Blom, Julie Hewitt, and Chantelle Laurie for helping the students prepare and to the P&C for providing the funding to cover the cost of competition enrolment.

Now, to prepare for Round 2!

Ashley Wright
Head of Learning Area – Humanities and Social Sciences

Thrilling Action Unfolds at State Futsal Qualifications

Kingsway Indoor Sporting Centre, a battleground where dreams are chased and champions are born, witnessed an electrifying showdown during the State Futsal Qualifications! Among the contenders were the spirited athletes of our Year 9 and 10 Soccer Academy classes were at the heart of the action!

The intensity on the court was palpable as five fierce futsal teams from Ashdale Secondary College proudly and determinedly represented our College. Each match was a testament to our young athletes' sheer talent and relentless effort.

However, the competition was as fierce as it gets. Despite a valiant effort, the Year 10 team faced a formidable challenge, tasting defeat in one crucial game. Heartbreakingly, this setback dashed their hopes of advancing to the Grand Final and vying for glory at the State Titles. But let's not forget, their journey was nothing short of inspiring, showcasing resilience and sportsmanship at its finest!

Ashdale Secondary College wasn't the only school lighting up the arena with its prowess. The event saw a stellar lineup of schools, including Lake Joondalup Baptist, Darling Range Sports College, Woodvale, Joseph Banks, and Ocean Reef, all bringing their A-game and adding to the thrilling atmosphere of competition.

As the dust settles on this exhilarating event, let's salute the dedication and passion of all the teams who graced the courts, leaving it all out there in pursuit of victory. Though the road to triumph may have been challenging, the memories forged and lessons learned will undoubtedly fuel the fire for future conquests!

John Carbone
Soccer Academy Coordinator

Primary Science

We have had a wonderful group of budding scientists from our Ashdale Cluster attend the College this Term to participate in our Primary STEM Program. The students have had a great time, showing off their excellent STEM skills and science knowledge throughout the term. The Year 4s have enjoyed experiments, including lighting Bunsen Burners, building bridges, coding using microbits, and doing a fish dissection. The year 5’s have displayed their passion for the environment by investigating pollution in our world and how we can reduce it. They have also enjoyed looking at the density of plastics in different substances, designing a way to solve plastic pollution, making bioplastics and MORE!!!

Emily Print
Teahcer – Science

Inter-House Dance Competition

Excitement fills the air as we announce the return of the much-awaited House Dance Competition for 2024! After last year's event, which Curie emerged victorious from, we anticipate yet another exhilarating showcase of talent, creativity, and House spirit.

The House Dance Competition invites each House to present a mesmerising dance routine aligned with this year's theme: Euphoria. This opportunity is open to all year levels, dancers and non-dancers are welcome to participate. The winning House will be honoured with the prestigious House Cup and House points. This student-led competition showcases the choreographic skills of our talented dancers from Years 10, 11, and 12.

Inter-House Dance Competition

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Rehearsals commenced in Week 3 and have been ongoing for six weeks, with scheduled rehearsals on Tuesday afternoon until 4.30 pm and Thursday lunchtime. Our dancers' dedication and hard work are evident as the routines are shaping up beautifully.

The competition is scheduled for Friday, 10 May, in Term 2. This year's House Dance Competition will celebrate talent, teamwork, and creativity!

Joelle Segall
Teacher – The Arts

Year 10 Outdoor Recreation

Term 1 was the first time the new Outdoor Recreation course ran for the Year 10 students. Designed to ignite a passion for adventure and appreciation for the great outdoors, the students have been indulging in some exciting activities and learning new skills about and in the outdoors. 

The main highlight of this course in Term 1 has been our offsite activities at Trigg Beach, where students delved into the thrilling world of bodyboarding. Riding the waves, feeling the rush of the ocean beneath them, students experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of this exciting water sport. Students learned essential skills such as duck diving, paddling, and positioning on the wave. Among the standout performers were Camryn Muley, Coby Van de Velde, and Tyson Ashkenazy. Their skill and determination set them apart, inspiring their peers to push their limits and strive for excellence.

Wipeouts, amidst the triumphs, reminded us of the resilience and determination required to conquer the waves. These moments of challenge and resilience served as valuable lessons, teaching our students the importance of perseverance and grit in the face of adversity.

We would also like to thank the instructors from Surfing Western Australia, who helped equip students with key skills and knowledge in their first two bodyboarding lessons.

But that's not all! In addition to the practical aspects, our students have been engaged in comprehensive theory lessons while at school, covering essential topics such as surf and beach safety. Understanding the ocean's dynamics and learning how to stay safe in the water are fundamental skills that we prioritise.

Moreover, students have explored the fascinating realm of dangerous marine animals, equipping themselves with knowledge on how to coexist safely in aquatic environments. From identifying potential hazards to adopting preventive measures, our students are well-prepared to navigate the waters responsibly.

Year 10 Outdoor Recreation

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Additionally, we've delved into the intricate world of weather patterns, unravelling the mysteries behind ocean currents, wave formation, and atmospheric conditions. Understanding these factors enhances students' outdoor experiences and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature's interconnectedness.

As we continue throughout the year, we are excited to witness our students grow as outdoor enthusiasts and responsible stewards of the environment. Through hands-on experiences and theoretical insights, they develop skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

We are immensely proud of our students' enthusiasm and commitment to embracing new challenges. With the Year 10 Outdoor Recreation Course, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for adventure and a profound respect for the natural world.

Here's to many more exciting adventures ahead!

Luke Jones, Benjamin Hangan and Candice Wall
Teachers – Health and Physical Education

Learning about Noongar myths and legends

Some of our Year 9 English classes were lucky enough to hear from Mrs Elisha Yarran-Roper today. Mrs Yarran-Roper is a Noongar woman who teaches English at Carine Senior High School. Students were delighted with stories about her family history, her connections to the Stolen Generations, and her culture. They were also entertained by her family's 'horror' stories about Noongar myths and legends.

The students are currently studying a unit on Aboriginal culture and connection to Country with a focus on storytelling and how stories reflect values and beliefs. This unit has two assessments. The students are working towards comprehension of an Aboriginal short story and will also write a narrative passage that explores their connection to the Country.

Thank you, Mrs Yarran-Roper, for taking time out of your teaching schedule to share stories and knowledge with our students.

Suzy Coull
Teacher – English

Fun for Young and Old

After a successful launch last year, the ASC Community Tech Team returned to College Park Retirement Village this Term. Nine students from Years 9 and 10 signed up for the intergenerational program, with two students and several residents deciding to participate again. Over four weeks, students visited the residents every Thursday afternoon for an hour after school. The students taught the residents about cyber safety and helped them with their computers and mobile phones, while the residents taught the students how to write a job application and read a street directory. On the last day, we celebrated the conversations and friendships formed with a 'show and tell' by the residents of some of their most treasured possessions, party food, and games.

ASC Community Tech Team

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Rachel Farnay
Teacher - Digital Technologies
ICT Approved Specialist Program Coordinator

Year 11 Outdoor Education

We're thrilled to share the exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences from our recent Year 11 three-day snorkelling school camp at Rottnest Island! Nestled in the azure waters off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island served as the perfect backdrop for our aquatic exploration and outdoor education experience.

As we set foot on the island, anticipation and excitement were evident. After putting on our wetsuits, we wasted no time and embarked on our tour of Rottnest's stunning natural underwater beauty. Starting at Little Salmon Bay, we worked our way snorkelling around the island, finishing at The Basin in the afternoon. From rugged coastal landscapes to pristine beaches, every corner of the island offered a picturesque view both above and below the water.

Our adventure's major highlights occurred beneath the crystal-clear waters' surface. Equipped with snorkels, masks, and fins, our students delved into the mesmerizing world of marine life and challenging swim-throughs. Rottnest Island's vibrant coral reefs teemed with various colourful fish and other fascinating creatures.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, our students honed their snorkelling skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of marine conservation. Each encounter with marine life was a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve our ocean ecosystems for future generations.

Y11 Outdoor Education

As our camp drew to a close, we gathered to reflect on the incredible experiences and friendships forged during our time at Rottnest Island. From the thrill of spotting diverse marine life to the quiet moments of contemplation beneath the waves, our journey had left an indelible mark on each participant. With hearts full of gratitude and memories to last a lifetime, we bid farewell to Rottnest Island, knowing that our connection to the ocean would endure long after we returned home.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents, and staff members who made this unforgettable journey possible. Together, we've created memories that will shine as brightly as Rottnest Island's sun-drenched waters.

Until our next adventure…

Anthony Canzurlo
Outdoor Education Teacher

Kings Park Excursion

Our Year 11 ATAR and Year 12 General Geography excursion to Kings Park on Tuesday, 19 March, was quite successful! Engaging students in hands-on activities can be a fantastic way to reinforce classroom learning and make the subject more tangible and memorable.

Kings Park Excursion

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Activities included:

• Drawing sketch maps is a valuable skill for geographers. It helps students visually represent geographic features and spatial relationships.
• Measuring and collecting data to determine fire ratings as understanding fire risk and spatial distribution is crucial in geography. By measuring and collecting data, students likely gained practical experience in assessing factors contributing to fire risk, such as vegetation type, slope, and proximity to urban areas.
• Data analysis - analysing collected data is a fundamental aspect of geographical inquiry. Through this activity, students likely had the opportunity to apply statistical techniques and spatial analysis methods to interpret their findings and draw conclusions about fire ratings in different areas of Kings Park.

Overall, the excursion provided valuable hands-on experience for students, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and meaningfully engage with geographical concepts. Such experiential learning opportunities are essential for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject.

Bree-Anna Leopold
Teacher – Humanities and Social Sciences

ICT Approved Specialist Program Applications

The ICT Approved Specialist Program at Ashdale Secondary College immerses students in innovation and creativity. The Program offers students two (2) institutes to choose from to further develop their knowledge and skills;

1. Creative Technologies Institute
2. Ashdale STEM Institute

For any parents and caregivers of Year 6 students looking to apply for our ICT Approved Specialist Program, kindly note the below dates:

Reading – the key to success

“Reading is the key. Without it, the instruction for playing Monopoly, the recipe for Grandma’s lasagne, building a solar-panelled car, directions to the job interview, purchasing the latest iPhone, and the lyrics to Stairway to Heaven – all these, and a lifetime of other mysteries large and small, may never be known.” 

(Kansas City Star newspaper)

It has been shown that “recreational reading can improve literacy outcomes which are firmly related to academic performance in secondary school” (Daggett and Hasselbring, 2007). At Ashdale, we are determined to ensure that students leave us in Year 12 with strong literacy levels so that they can create opportunities for themselves as lifelong learners.

What can you do as a parent to support their reading at home?      

As a parent, you can support your child’s literacy development by encouraging them to read for 10 – 15 minutes daily and ensuring they fill in their reading log. Ask your child questions about what they are reading, as talking improves their social skills and enables them to develop their critical thinking skills. This will ultimately lead to their success—not just in school but in life.

Below are several tips you can use at home to sustain book discussions with your child.

Before your child reads a book, ask:

• Why did you select this book?
• What makes you think this book is going to be interesting?
• What do you think the book is about?
• Does this book remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen?
• What kind of characters do you think will be in the book?
• What do you think is going to happen?

While reading a book:

• Will you catch me up on the story?
• What’s happened so far?
• What do you think will happen next?
• If you were that character, what would you have done differently?
• If the book was a TV show, which actors would you cast?
• Where is the book set?
• If the main character in that story lived next door, would you be friends?
• What does the place look like in your head as you read?
• Would you want to visit there?
• Have you learned any new words or facts so far?

When they have finished reading a book:

• What was your favourite part of the book? Why?
• Who was your favourite character? Why?
• What was the most exciting thing you learned from the book?
• Why do you think the author wrote this book?
• Would you have ended the book differently?
• Did it end the way you thought it would?
• Did the problem of the book’s plot get solved?
• If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be?

Finally, let reading become a habit, a way of life.

– “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - (Dr Seuss

Amanda Kaljee
Conferencing Coordinator

Unlocking Mathematical Success: The Importance of Learning Times Tables

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, certain foundational skills stand the test of time, proving indispensable in shaping a student's mathematical proficiency. Among these essential skills, mastering the times tables is a cornerstone that lays the groundwork for success in more advanced mathematical concepts. 

In this edition of our newsletter, we explore the significance of learning times tables and provide engaging activities for parents to do with their children to foster a love for numbers.

The Building Blocks of Math Mastery: Times Tables

Learning the times tables is more than just rote memorisation; it is crucial to developing a solid mathematical foundation. Proficiency in multiplication lays the groundwork for various mathematical skills, such as division, fractions, and algebra. Moreover, understanding multiplication is fundamental in everyday life. From calculating shopping expenses to determining how much tickets to a concert cost, the ability to quickly and accurately multiply numbers is an invaluable life skill beyond the classroom.

Activities for Parents and Children

As partners in education, parents play a vital role in supporting their children's learning journey. Here are some engaging activities to help parents reinforce times tables skills with their children:

1. Multiplication Fact Family Flashcards:Create, purchase, and search online for flashcards that include multiplication and division problems related to the same set of numbers. This helps children see the connection between multiplication and division, reinforcing their understanding of the times tables.
2. Math Games and Apps:Explore interactive math games and apps that make learning times tables engaging. Many educational platforms offer interactive activities that can turn practice into play. Apps include Math Facts
3. Real-Life Applications:Incorporate multiplication into daily activities. Ask your child to help with cooking by doubling or halving recipes, calculating total costs during shopping trips, or figuring out travel distances and times.

Remember, the key is to make learning times tables enjoyable and relevant to your child's interests. Incorporating these activities into your routine reinforces mathematical skills and creates positive associations with learning. We can empower young people with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their educational endeavours.

Wishing you all a mathematically marvellous learning experience!

Tracey Rutter
Numeracy Coordinator

Y10 Parent Information and Career Expo – SAVE THE DATE!!!

In Term 2, on Wednesday, June 19, Ashdale will hold its annual Year 10 Parent Information Night and Careers Expo.

The afternoon will start from 3:30 pm and run until 6:30 pm. The evening will commence with concurrent presentations run by various universities, which parents can book closer to the date. 

During the presentations, an Expo-type format will be used where parents and students can speak to various industry bodies and training institutions about pathways and options.

A Senior School presentation will be delivered at 6:00 pm.

Look for more information via the Year 10 Connect Community, our Facebook page and Year 10 assemblies.

Megan Falconer
Program Coordinator – VET and Workplace Learning

Voluntary Contributions and Charges

Voluntary contributions and charges can be paid through the Qkr! app. Just click on the contributions and charges tab and follow the prompts.

This option is becoming increasingly popular as it takes any hassle out of payments. Why not give it a try? If you need any help with Qkr! payments, please call or visit the office for assistance.

Thank you to families that have finalised payment or set up a regular payment option for students' contributions and charges.

We collect school voluntary contributions and compulsory charges from all families to ensure all students receive an enriched and varied school curriculum. These charges are a legitimate cost for the supply of texts, reference materials, and other learning resources that you would otherwise have to purchase.

The following methods of payment are currently offered:

Preferred payment methods:

• Qkr! – select Charges and Contributions and your child's year group, and enter the amount
• Direct Debit - Internet banking: Commonwealth - BSB 066 040 - Account No 19901762
• Other payment methods available:
• Credit card (MasterCard, Visa) made in person, by mail or by telephoning 62071300
• Cash or EFTPOS in person

Please get in touch with the office at 62071300 if you require further information regarding the payment of contributions and charges or if you wish to set up a payment plan.

Jo Pecnik
Manager Corporate Services